Marshall Theatre in Ford HallMay 2-4 and 9-11 at 7:30 p.m.Sunday, May 5 at 2:00 p.m.

Opening Night Post-Show DiscussionThursday, May 2, 2013

"How Much Has Changed? Comparing Current Views with Frank Wedekind's Controversial 1891 Play"

The post-show discussion features the following panelists Professor Dawn Graff-Haight, Health and Human Performance; Professor Charles Dunn, Math; Patricia Haddeland, Student Health Center Nurse Practitioner, and Margit Gasselich, Fulbright Teaching Assistant in German Language. They will be joined by the directors, cast, crew, and audience in a discussion of the issues presented in the play.

About the Musical

Spring Awakening, with book and lyrics by Steven Sater and music by Duncan Sheik, is the winner of many awards, with eight Tony Awards (including Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Score), the Olivier Award for Best New Musical, and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical. It is based on Frank Wedekind's controversial 1891 play about teenage sexuality and society's efforts to control it. The piece seamlessly merges past and present, underscoring the timelessness of adolescent angst and the universality of human passion. The play was originally censored because of its open discussion of sex, homosexuality, child abuse and adolescent suicide in a repressed society. "While on the surface these issues don't sound appealing in a musical, the genius is the use of song and performance as the avenue through which the teenagers can express their innermost thoughts, weaknesses and frustrations in the backdrop of 1890s Germany," stage director Janet Gupton said. "The material in this musical is especially relevant at this point in our nation's history," said musical director Chris Engbretson. "With debates over concepts like abstinence-only education, sexual orientation and religious freedom, this show arrives at just the right time." Gupton added that "although dark, the musical offers a glimmer of hope for audience members that we have to listen to the voices of our children, provide them guidance and remember what it was like to be their age."

About the Production

Spring Awakening is co-produced by the Linfield Theatre Program and the Department of Music. It is under the direction of Janet Gupton, associate professor of theatre arts, with musical direction by Christopher Engbretson, visiting assistant professor of music. "I've been consistently impressed by our cast's natural talent and ability throughout the rehearsal process. They have consistently risen to and often exceeded my expectations," said Engbretson, a Linfield graduate. "I've been inspired and touched by their passion and drive to make this a truly excellent production."

The production features seventeen actors and eight musicians. The actors include: Mackensie Sempert as Wendla, Collin Morris as Melchior, Nicholas Granato as Moritz, Jenaveve Linabary as Martha, and Gabrielle Leif as Ilse. The roles of Hanschen and Rupert are played by Jeremy Odden while Logan Mays portrays both Ernst and Reinhold. Lukasz Augustine portrays Georg and Dieter. Jenny Layton plays all of the adult women and Travis McKenna plays all of the audlt men. Delaney Bullinger portrays Thea, Katricia Stewart appears as Anna, and Chris Forrer plays Otto and Ulbrecht. Rounding out the cast are ensemble members Daniel Bradley, Brita Gaeddert, Ryan Thompson, and Izgi Gulfem Torunlar.

The creative team includes both faculty members and students with scenic and lighting design by Ty Marshall, costume design by Rebecca Meredith, sound design by Rob Vaughn, hair and make–up design by Laura Haspel, choreography by Alli Halley, and McKenna Peterson as stage manager.

The play is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are supplied by MTI; 421 West 54th St., New York, NY 10019, phone 212-541-4684, fax 212-397-4684, www.MTIShows.com.

Ticket Information

Tickets are $10 for full price; $8 for seniors (62+) and Linfield faculty and staff (two tickets per ID); and $6 for students (any age, any school, one ticket per ID); with a $2 discount on all tickets on opening night. Seating is reserved. Tickets are available at http://www.linfield.edu/culture, by phone, or at the Marshall Theatre Box Office. Located in the lobby of Ford Hall, the box office is open Tuesday through Friday from 3 to 5 p.m., and until 7:30 p.m. on performance days. The box office will also be open May 4 and 11 from 3 to 7:30 p.m. and from noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 5. The box office is closed Mondays. The Marshall Theatre is fully accessible. For more information, call 503.883.2292.

Marshall Theatre in Ford Hall, Linfield Campus

To reach Ford Hall from Highway 99W, turn east on Keck Drive at the McMinnville Market Center in south McMinnville. Turn right on Lever Street and right again on Ford Drive. Ford Hall is located at the west end of the parking lot. Click here for a campus map. Ford Hall is number 58B on the map.